The second round of the 2018 AFC Champions League Group Stage opened on Tuesday night with J.League clubs struggling to pick up points against tough opposition.

Playing away at Ulsan Hyundai, Kawasaki Frontale fell behind just before halftime and saw the deficit increase to 2-0 midway through the second half. 

Substitute Kei Chinen made it 2-1 in the 85th minute but the J1 champions were unable to score an equaliser before the final whistle, losing their second straight match of the competition.

Kashiwa Reysol seemed to have better luck against Tianjin Quanjian at Kashiwa Stadium, dominating in the first half and taking the lead in the 52nd minute on Cristiano’s clever mid-air strike. But the lack of a second goal cost the hosts when Alexandre Pato scored late for Tianjin, forcing a 1-1 draw to end the match and denying the hosts their first win.

ACL action will continue on Wednesday night with Cerezo Osaka hosting Guangzhou Evergrande and Kashima Antlers traveling to face Suwon Bluewings.